Machine fob



A. BU'RWELL. V MACHINE FOR STRETGHING SHOES}, &c. No. 11,301, Patented July 11, 1864/ UNITED sra'rns ra'run'r OFFICE.

ALFRED BURWELL, OE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

MACHINE FOR STRETCHING SHOES, 8w.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 11,301, dated July 11, 1854.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED BURWELL, of Rochester, Monroe county, New York, have invented a new and Improved Method of Stretching Shoes, Boot-feet, &c.; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The nature of my invention consists in cutting a common last of any desired size longitudinally and horizontally through its entire length from heel to toe and nearly parallel to the bottom, and then introducing into the ankle or comb of the last expanding screws, by which the last is made to expand or contract at different points at pleasure. I also introduce plates between the two parts of the last, by which I make lateral movements and impressions when and where needed.

To enable others to make and use my invention, I construct my lasts first in the plain ordinary way, and then cut them through their entire length fromheel to toe nearly parallel to the bottom or sole. Then through the ankle or comb of the last and outside the shoe I introduce two screws passing from the top downward somewhat after the manner of the wooden hand screw. These screws are so arranged as by turning them to the right and left they will expand the last at heel or toe at the pleasure of the operator. I also introduce a metallic plate between the two portions ofithe last, divided in its whole length, through its center, having its entire edges corresponding in shape with the side shape of the last and being hinged at the heel. I then introduce a cone pointed or wedge screw down through the combs of the last, with its cone or wedge formed point operating in the slit formed by the divided metal plates a little in front of where they are hinged.

Then by forcing the cone point between them by turning the screw inward they are forced apart and thereby produce lateral pressure when required. In order to produce the required result of making projections on the sides or toes of the shoe I place upon the edges of these plates at the place where these projections are desired projecting pieces of metal corresponding in size and shape to the required projection or enlargement. These pieces of metal are attached by projecting shanks, slotted or split to suit the edge of the plate, and a pin or screw passed through a corresponding hole in each, as seen in the accompanying drawings, marked and lettered as follows: A, toe or instep expanding screw resting upon a socket attached to the lower division of last; B, heel expanding screw passing into a met-alic screw socket made permanent and passing through lower division of last; D, a screw or nut made permanent in upper division of last through which B passes; C, metallic plate; E, cone pointed or wedge screw; F, projecting metal; G, horizontal projection of metallic plate.

I do not claim the operation of expanding lasts with a single screw, as that has been long known and used for expanding lasts at the instep, neither the invention of the projecting metal attached to the plates.

YVhat I do claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The construction and use of lasts to be operated by two independent screws in such a manner as to be able to stretch the shoe or boot at the instep or toe at pleasure.

2. I also claim the expanding plates with their projecting pieces of metal applied operated by the wedge or'cone pointed screw.

ALFRED BURWELL.

Witnesses:

JOHN THOMPSON, Jun, JOHN N. POMEROY. 

